Neelum Valley

Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir

Neelum Valley, situated approximately 45 km from Muzaffarabad, is one of the most scenic and historically significant regions of Azad Kashmir. The valley encompasses District Neelum, which has its administrative headquarters in Attmuqam and is divided into the Attmuqam and Sharda tehsils. The valley derives its name from the Neelum River, which flows through its length, shaping both the geography and settlements of the region.
Neelum Valley is home to some of Pakistan’s most renowned tourist destinations, including Kutton, Keran, Kel, Arang Kel, and Taobat. While the valley is celebrated for its mountainous landscapes and alpine meadows, it also holds architectural and cultural significance. Traditional Kashmiri wooden architecture is well preserved in several villages, particularly Arang Kel and Taobat, where vernacular structures remain largely intact. The region’s built environment reflects its historical ties to Kashmir and Baltistan, demonstrating a continuity of architectural traditions that have adapted to the valley’s climatic and topographical constraints.
Beyond its geographical and cultural value, Neelum Valley holds strategic significance due to its proximity to the Line of Control (LoC), the de facto border dividing Azad Kashmir from Indian-administered Kashmir. At locations such as Keran, the LoC is distinctly visible, with settlements existing on both sides of the river.
Keran serves as the first major stop for visitors entering the valley. Situated along the Neelum River, it functions as a gateway to the upper regions and offers lodging and rest facilities for travelers. From Keran, the road extends towards Sharda, a site of immense historical and religious importance. Sharda Peeth, an 8th-century Hindu temple and learning center, once attracted scholars from across the subcontinent. The temple played a significant role in the development of the Sharda script, which influenced written traditions across northern India.
Beyond Sharda, the Neelum Valley road leads to Kel, a hill station positioned at 2,141 meters above sea level. Kel serves as a staging point for travelers heading towards Arang Kel, a remote village perched on a high plateau. Accessible via a chairlift or a steep trek, Arang Kel is characterized by wooden Kashmiri-style houses, expansive cornfields, and vibrant sunflower meadows. Its elevated position offers panoramic views of the valley, making it one of the most visually striking locations in the region.
The final and most remote settlement in the valley is Taobat, the last inhabited village before the Indian-administered territory. Taobat remains largely untouched by modern development, retaining its traditional wooden architecture and agrarian lifestyle. Some of the finest examples of Kashmiri vernacular architecture can be observed in Taobat, where wooden multi-story houses with intricate craftsmanship continue to define the built landscape.
Neelum Valley experiences mild summers, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C between May and September. However, winters are severe, with heavy snowfall isolating the upper regions for months. While tourism has significantly contributed to the local economy, it has also led to environmental concerns, including deforestation, unregulated construction, and ecological degradation. Sustainable conservation efforts are necessary to preserve both the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region.
Despite these challenges, Neelum Valley remains one of the most significant cultural and ecological landscapes in Pakistan, offering an unparalleled blend of history, architecture, and natural scenery.

The beautiful Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir